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Warm sunlight softly caressed Brighteyes' face as she and her partner strolled through the theme park. Closing her eyes she took a moment to take in every sense this place had to offer. Loud cheering was heard right next to them, probably someone had somehow won a rigged game. Screams were heard from a rollercoaster in the distance and people's chatter surrounded them. A mixture of sweet and salty smells roamed around the path they had entered. Many food stands were found on both sides.
It's no surprise Brighteyes adored this place. She had always loved crowded spaces where one could mindlessly have fun. Although she always hoped to meet someone she knew so they could hang out together, considering how busy everyone seemed to be. Not that she wasn't busy herself. It's just that she got lonely a lot.
Today was one of the special occasions in which she and Telamon could hang out. It was valentine's day after all, an obligatory date was expected. The long awaited event filled her with joy. She'd been waiting for weeks to be able to spend a reasonable amount of time with her sweetheart. Only the two of them, without any distractions. Excluding every possible attraction there is in a theme park. But the point still gets across.
Her eyes struck open as she remembered today was the day she was going to ask Telamon about what she'd been longing to know ever since they met. That is if he doesn't find new excuses for avoiding answering or straight up ignores the question. She gulped recalling a conversation she had with Builderman the other day. Maybe she was being too pushy and he truly needed more time. But for how much longer did he intend to keep his past away from her?
A slight tug on the arm pulled Brighteyes out of her thoughts. She turned to where Telamon was. His hood shadowed the eyes yet they were still visible. Not much you could read from them but the wide smile conveyed exitement. She would know. She knew him. Of course she did! They had been together for years! It's not like he's keeping practically every aspect of his life before knowing her a secret. Totally not.
- Huh? What did you say? I must have been lost in thought, sorry. - She muttered. Guilt building up as she realized he had been trying to tell her something for quite a while now.
- Yeah, obviously I've noticed. - Telamon stated, his expression turning into a grimace. - I asked if you wanted to play the games over there but you just stared at me. - He continued pointing his index finger on a game stand in the distance. There was slight annoyance in his tone yet it was overwhelmingly obvious that he was worried.
Brighteyes' gaze stayed fixed. Every muscle in her body stiffened unsure of what to say. She didn't want to upset him, especially on their special day considering that they don't spend much time together. It's only natural she wants the limited amount they get to be enjoyable for the both of them.
Telamon had interrupted her before she could utter another sentence. - Are you feeling unwell? Shall we get something to eat? Or drink? - He asked rather awkwardly grabbing her palm and gently squeezing it. He had the stupid look on his face he does any time he's unsure of what to do where his eyes go big and his usual smirk turns into a short line. Brighteyes thought to herself about how silly he looked when trying to be affectionate, however she had to admit it was really sweet.
She squeezed his hand back and this time quickly replied - I'm fine, really. Just would appreciate if you could fetch me some water. While technically not a lie, since she was feeling thirsty, Brighteyes avoided eye contact as if she were being dishonest. She felt bad for driving him away. The point is, more time was needed to think about what exact circumstances are most optimal for a heart to heart conversation. In a theme park at least.
The magicians smirk came back as fast as it originally went away. - Your wish is my command, Princess! - he hummed bowing and swiftly went looking for a water source. Brighteyes cringed at the nickname but paid no further attention to it. She decided to investigate her surroundings to make sure the place she'd pick would be satisfactory. She paced around making sure not to venture too far out as to not loose Telamon. A rollercoaster caught her eye specifically. She noted that surely no ride would be a good environment for something like that. However it could be a good stress reliever for later.
And a stress reliever she would need. The constant reminder of what's to come and how Telamon was oblivious to all of it made her heart sink. How could he possibly react if he knew she'd been practically stabbing him in the back this whole time? Clearly Builderman hadn't told her everything there was to know but it was Telamon from whom the information should had been inquired. No matter how avoidant and cryptinc he was being. The recollection was so lucid, she could still feel the shock and disbelief of that moment. Brighteyes wished for a way to erase the whole conversation from memory.
Her panic fueled thoughts were once again interrupted. This time however by falling flat on her face. The pain kicked in immediately, her whole face stinging. The background noises and smells came back all at once. She slowly pushed herself up and sat with one of her legs crossed. Only now did she notice she was back at the foods section. Looking up she spotted a motionless Noob staring at her. The realisation kicked in pretty quickly. She tripped on the little guy.
- Noob, I'm so, so, so sorry I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings. Are you okay? - Brighteyes blabbered nervously. The small guy nodded and walked up to help her, visibly calmer now knowing she's somewhat fine. Brighteyes thanked him and a small conversation bloomed. When Telamon came back, after a suspiciously long period of time, he was greeted with a large portion of cotton candy and a familiar face. He didn't question anything though, giving Brighteyes the water she tasked him with getting.
After a brief talk they said their goodbyes and parted ways with Noob. Apparently he was waiting for someone himself. Didn't specify who though. Brighteyes observed how her partner tore off pieces of the pink fluffy cloud mass and shoved them into his mouth like he hasn't eaten properly in months. She herself was already half way finished with the sweet treat so who was she to judge.
While giggling to herself at how silly Telamon looked, a mirror maze had caught her eye. There's not a lot of people there usually so this could be a decent place to stark up a conversation. After finishing their feast Brighteyes silently fought the invading feeling of guilt and grabbed Telamon firmly by the arm, dragging him to the house of mirrors. Telamon's protests went unnoticed as she rambled on about how much fun they were seemingly going to have.
Brighteyes went silent after entering the maze. The stress hit her like a truck. There was no going back now. She had to confront him. She wiped her sweated hand on her pants and began pursuing the maze. Telamon on the other hand wasn't exactly fond of a place that surrounds you with mirrors from every side. Something about it being weird and creepy.
He followed her steps whilst making sure not to glance at his many reflections. The thought of being surrounded by many versions of himself caused a deep feeling of unease.
His plan failed when he realized Brighteyes was out of his sight. In no way was he going to leave this place without having her for guidance. Defeated, he looked up and began traversing this trap. Telamon held both of his hands infront of him to make sure he wouldn't bump into any mirrors only to bump into one anyway because of the dim lighting making it seem like someone was beside him, scaring him in the process.
In the meantime Brighteyes traversed through this environment with no problem, as she did frequent the fair pretty often. When the confidence inside her built up she turned to face what she thought would be Telamon only to find out he was nowhere near. Her breathing rapidly stopped as she realized he was gone. She now recalled his protests before entering. Many questions arose from that realisation, like if he knew about everything and decided to flee or straight up abandoned her after such a betrayal.
Brighteyes began desperately searching for her partner, clinging onto the belief that Telamon was still there and just lost. Her wonky movement caused her to walk into glass several times yet she ignored every instance of pain in hopes to find whom she had lost. Instant relief washed over her as she recognised Telamon's figure in the distance.
- Oh, thank 2x2 you're still here! - Brighteyes exclaimed as she stopped to catch her breath.
The funky nature of the maze's lightning caused Telamon to be mostly obscured by a shadow making it unclear what exact expression he had painted on his face. This was a rather awkward moment to insinuate an exchange of words but it was better to be over it sooner rather that later. She lifted the sweaty palm she used to hold herself on the mirror and began taking uncertain steps towards him.
- You know.. I've been meaning to ask you for a while now.. If- Okay I know you don't like talking about it but don't you think I deserve to know what you've been up to before we met? - She blabbered nervously as if those words were needles poking harder and harder on Telamons skin waiting for him to crack. - It's only fair that you tell me. - The air in the maze became suffocating. It felt the same as awaiting a trial for a crime you're definitely guilty of.
Yet she was met with silence. Dissatisfied with the lack of response she quickened her pace towards the figure's image. It was like the person she loved was just out of reach enough to maybe not hear her pleas. Anything would be better than ignorance. Brighteyes held out both of her hands in an attempt to grasp at her beloved. Instead she was met with a cold glassy texture. Oh. She was staring at a reflection this whole time.
She called out his name again. - No. - A flat voice rang out in the maze. Further silence followed. The reflection dropped it's head and pulled it's hood over it's eyes. What? All that and he has the audacity to say a simple "no"? Brighteyes clenched her fists. She wasn't having any of this. She was now determined to find Telamon's actual location and maybe beat some sense into his head.
- Are you SERIOUS!? - She exclaimed. - For how much longer do you plan on keeping me in the dark, huh? - She accidentally bonked her arm on a mirror, her heart now racing. - How dare you hide your past from me? Am I not trust worthy? Are you scared? WHY are you scared of me? Why do I have to find out information about you from others!? Why are you treating me like a stranger!? - Tears built up in her eyes. Not that anyone could see them behind her shades.
- What did he tell you. - A voice behind her demanded. Brighteyes jumped, turning to face the person behind her. Telamons cloaked figure stood (technically floated) tall Infront of her. The shadow covering the upper half of his face made his expression seem more angered than it actually was. Brighteyes' muscles stiffened. How did he know she spoke with Builderman on the matter? Before she could say anything Telamon continued.
- Answer my question. What did he say? - He lowered his head to be eye to eye with her. The shadow on his face lifted showing a wide eyed, panicked face. Seeing him so agitated was uncanny. In no way could Brighteyes predict he would react in this manner.
Telamon rapidly grabbed Brighteyes by the arms and shook her. - What do you know!? Please, PLEASE, tell me! - He begged loosing any resemblance of calmness in his voice. Before he could spiral more he felt Brighteyes softly placing her hands on his. Her face softened yet worry still painted her face.
Then, holding his hands she admitted - I went looking for answers elsewhere since you were being so cryptic. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that behind your back. - Her voice was quiet and unsure. She wondered how could he possibly forgive such a betrayal. But before she could continue a firm hug had interrupted her. She stood there unmoving for a second before squeezing him back.
- I should be the one apologising - Murmured Telamon in a shaky voice. He was on the verge of tears. Not that he would ever admit to it. - It's not fair to you... But I just can't tell you. I can't, I really can't. I'm sorry. - He squeezed her tighter and a noise akeen to a whine escaped his lips. At least it was something considering how it's the first time he actually engaged in this conversation.
He knew that from every possible person Builderman would be the only one willing to talk about Shedletsky. Of course he would. He missed Shed like a tragic lover from the romanticism period. Buildermans grief however did not excuse his actions and Telamon was going to make sure he knew that. What an asshole.
There was no way Brighteyes could engage further without him breaking down, unless she wanted to end up comforting a stubborn crying mess... And later listen to his begging for her to forget anything had happened. Well, this could wait for another time. The only thing that mattered now was their loving embrace.